1975 Scorecard Vote

Nuclear Accident Insurance

Senate Roll Call Vote 596

Issue: Dirty Energy

(S. 2568) Price-Anderson Nuclear Insurance Act Amendments: The vote is on the Gravel amendment to give victims of nuclear accidents the right to sue for additional damages under existing laws that cover ordinary damage suits. As written, the Act set up a federally subsidized nuclear insurance program, and prohibited citizens from recovering any damages of over $560 million per accident. Yet studies show that a really serious accident could cost billions. Conservationists fear that low liability limits will reduce the nuclear industry's motivation to act with caution. If people must accept the human risks of nuclear energy, why can't utilities accept the financial risk? December 16, 1975. Rejected 34-62. The correct vote is yes.